Upscayl AI
Free · Open source · Local processing

Upscayl Desktop Download for Windows, Mac and Linux

Download the free, open-source Upscayl Desktop application and enlarge images on a compatible computer.

Choose your operating system below. Before installing, check the hardware requirements—Upscayl normally needs a compatible GPU to process images successfully.

Choose your download Check hardware compatibility
Latest release notes Compare Desktop and Cloud

Upscayl Desktop supports Windows, macOS and Linux. Compatible image-upscaling jobs run locally, so you do not need to upload the source image to a browser-based processing service.

Upscayl Desktop image upscaling interface on Windows, macOS and Linux
Desktop interfaceChoose a source, model, scale and local output folder.
Downloads Compatibility Features Installation How to use Troubleshooting FAQ
01

Choose Your Upscayl Desktop Download

Select the operating system installed on the computer where you intend to process images.

Upscayl Windows Download

Download Upscayl for a compatible Windows PC when you want local image upscaling, batch processing and access to supported AI models.

The official project currently lists Windows 10 and later in its installation guidance. Hardware compatibility remains important even when the operating system is supported. Official Windows installation guidance.

Download information

  • Platform: Windows
  • Installer type: Windows executable
  • Recommended check: Vulkan-compatible GPU
  • Processing: Local for compatible Desktop jobs
  • Price: Free
  • License: Open source
Download Upscayl for Windows

Secondary links

Upscayl Mac Download

Download Upscayl for macOS when you want a native Desktop workflow for enlarging photographs, artwork and other supported images.

The official installation instructions list macOS 12 and later and provide a DMG installation route. A Homebrew installation option is also documented. Users should check current release notes for processor and operating-system compatibility before downloading. Official macOS installation guidance.

Download information

  • Platform: macOS
  • Installer type: DMG
  • Alternative installation: Homebrew
  • Processing: Local for compatible Desktop jobs
  • Price: Free
  • License: Open source
Download Upscayl for macOS

Secondary links

Upscayl Linux Download

Upscayl provides several Linux installation formats. Select the package that matches your distribution and installation preference.

Official installation guidance identifies AppImage as a portable option. DEB, RPM and ZIP packages may also be available, while some distribution stores support Flatpak or Snap installations. Confirm the current options on the official release page. Official Linux installation guidance.

Available Linux formats may include

  • AppImage
  • DEB for Debian- and Ubuntu-based distributions
  • RPM for Fedora-compatible distributions
  • ZIP for supported x86 Linux systems
  • Flatpak or Snap through participating software stores
View Linux Download Options

Secondary links

02

Check Compatibility Before Downloading Upscayl Desktop

Operating-system support does not guarantee that every computer can process an image.

Upscayl’s official documentation states that a Vulkan-compatible GPU is normally required. Many integrated GPUs and CPUs do not work, although compatibility varies by system. Official hardware guidance, general troubleshooting documentation.

Desktop computer settings and output controls used when checking Upscayl compatibility
Review hardware, application and output settings before beginning an important batch.

Desktop Compatibility Checklist

Before downloading, confirm

Your operating system meets the current release requirements.

Your graphics hardware supports the required processing technology.

Your graphics drivers are current.

You have enough free storage for the application, models and output images.

You have permission to install applications on the computer.

Your source and destination folders are readable and writable.

You are downloading the installer from an official or clearly verified source.

What If My Computer Is Not Compatible?

If Upscayl Desktop cannot use your graphics hardware, consider the browser-based Cloud workflow instead. Cloud processing does not depend on the same local GPU setup, but it requires an internet connection and image upload.

Compare Upscayl Desktop and Cloud
03

What Is Upscayl Desktop?

Upscayl Desktop is a free, open-source AI image upscaler for compatible Windows, macOS and Linux computers.

It uses trained image models to create a larger interpretation of a source image. Depending on the image and model, the output may show cleaner-looking edges and textures than a conventional resize.

Upscaling is not the same as recovering the original missing information. It cannot guarantee a sharp result from a severely blurred photograph or accurately reconstruct every small face, letter or object.

For the most reliable workflow, test one representative image before processing an important file or complete folder.

Upscayl Desktop interface ready to select a source image
Upscayl Desktop keeps the source, model, scale and output choices in one installed workspace.
04

Main Benefits of Upscayl Desktop

Process Images Locally

Compatible Desktop jobs are processed on the computer instead of requiring an upload to a Cloud upscaling service.

This can be useful for

  • Private photographs
  • Client-provided images
  • Unpublished product photography
  • Internal design work
  • Large local folders
  • Workflows with limited internet access

Local processing still requires responsible file storage, secure device access and appropriate backups.

Use a Free, Open-Source Application

The Upscayl codebase is publicly available, and the main repository is distributed under the AGPL-3.0 license. Review the license when redistributing the software or incorporating its code into another product. Official GitHub repository.

Work Without Per-Image Desktop Credits

The Desktop application does not use the same credit-based approach as a hosted processing service. Practical limits still depend on your hardware, storage, source images and processing time.

Process Multiple Images

Batch processing can help when a folder of images shares similar source quality and output requirements.

Always test one file first. Applying an unsuitable model to an entire folder can produce many unusable outputs.

05

Upscayl Desktop Features

Upscayl output format, scale and custom width settings
Output controls
Upscayl Standard and Lite model examples
Standard and Lite models
Upscayl High Fidelity and Remacri model examples
Detail-focused model choices

Multiple AI Models

Different image models can respond differently to photographs, compressed graphics, digital art and fine textures.

The official project describes several included models and supports compatible custom models. Its v2.15 release also introduced a High Fidelity model. Features and model availability can change, so the live page should synchronize this section with the installed release. Official release information.

Batch Image Upscaling

Select a folder or group of similar images and process them in one workflow.

Batch processing is particularly useful for

  • Ecommerce image sets
  • Scanned photograph collections
  • Creative exports
  • Presentation assets
  • Content libraries

Output Controls

Choose the model, enlargement setting, output location and supported output options needed for the project.

Select the final dimensions according to the destination. Excessive enlargement can increase processing time, file size and visible artifacts.

Custom Models

Advanced users can add compatible custom models for specialized image types.

Before installing a custom model, verify

  • File format
  • Expected scale
  • Application compatibility
  • Model license
  • Download source
  • Intended image type

Local Comparison and Review

Compare the source and output before accepting the result.

Pay particular attention to

  • Faces and facial identity
  • Hair and skin texture
  • Product labels
  • Repeating patterns
  • Architecture
  • Thin lines
  • High-contrast edges
  • Background noise
06

How to Install Upscayl Desktop

1Upscayl welcome screen with language selection
Choose a language
2Upscayl initial update, improvement and theme preferences
Set preferences
3Upscayl theme selection menu
Choose a theme
4Upscayl setup complete screen
Finish setup

Install Upscayl on Windows

Download the current Windows installer from the verified release source.

Open the downloaded executable file.

Review any Windows security notice carefully.

Confirm that the publisher and source match the expected download.

Follow the installation prompts.

Launch Upscayl and complete a small test.

If processing fails, update the graphics driver and confirm that the GPU supports the required technology. The official Windows troubleshooting guide also recommends checking performance settings and graphics configuration. Windows troubleshooting.

Install Upscayl on macOS

Download the current DMG file.

Open the DMG.

Drag Upscayl into the Applications folder.

Open the Applications folder.

Open Upscayl and respond to any legitimate macOS security prompt.

Test the application with a noncritical image.

The official project also documents installation with

brew install --cask upscayl

For display problems or startup failures, review the current macOS troubleshooting guide.

Install Upscayl on Linux

Choose the package that matches your distribution.

For AppImage, enable permission to execute the file.

Open the AppImage or install the appropriate DEB or RPM package.

Launch Upscayl.

Test one image before configuring a batch.

If processing does not start, confirm Vulkan support and reinstall or update the graphics drivers. Linux troubleshooting.

07

How to Upscale an Image with Upscayl Desktop

Upscayl interface before selecting an image
Select a source image
Upscayl source image, model, scale and output folder controls
Choose model, scale and output
Upscayl processing progress dialog
Run the upscale
Completed Upscayl before-and-after image comparison
Review the completed result
Centered portrait after image upscaling
Centered portrait before image upscaling
Before Upscaled

1. Keep an Untouched Original

Do not overwrite the only copy of an important image. Store the original separately before processing.

2. Select a Representative Image

Start with an image that reflects the quality and subject of the larger project.

3. Choose an AI Model

Match the model to the source. A natural photograph, illustration and compressed web graphic may need different treatment.

4. Select the Required Scale

Choose only the enlargement needed for the final screen, layout, crop or print.

5. Choose an Output Folder

Use a separate output location so the original and upscaled files are easy to distinguish.

6. Run the Upscale

Processing time depends on hardware, source dimensions, model, enlargement level and number of images.

08

Choose an AI Model Based on the Image

Do not choose a model because its name sounds more powerful. Choose it because its behavior fits the source image.

Upscayl model selector for general photographs and artwork
Compare general-purpose models
Upscayl High Fidelity model for detail-sensitive images
Review detail-focused options

Photography

Look for

  • Natural skin and hair
  • Controlled sharpening
  • Varied foliage and fabric texture
  • Clean architecture
  • No bright edge halos
  • Preserved facial identity

Illustration and AI Art

Look for

  • Clean linework
  • Smooth curves
  • Controlled gradients
  • Consistent color boundaries
  • Preserved artistic texture
  • No unnecessary photographic grain

Product Images

Look for

  • Accurate silhouettes
  • Controlled reflections
  • Consistent backgrounds
  • Preserved colors
  • Clean material texture
  • No invented labels or product features
Compare Upscayl Models
09

Who Should Download Upscayl Desktop?

Photographers

Prepare larger working images for layouts, presentations, delivery or careful cropping.

Ecommerce Sellers

Process consistent product image sets while checking that enhanced detail still represents the real product accurately.

Designers and Agencies

Create larger assets for mockups, client presentations, campaigns and production layouts.

YouTube and Social Media Creators

Enlarge thumbnails, artwork and older source assets for higher-resolution publishing formats.

Educators and Students

Prepare diagrams, scanned materials and presentation images for larger displays.

AI Artists and Illustrators

Enlarge generated artwork and digital illustrations while reviewing linework, gradients and repeated texture.

Privacy-Conscious Users

Use compatible local processing when the source image should not be uploaded to a browser-based service.

10

Upscayl Desktop or Upscayl Cloud?

Choose Desktop When You Want

  • Compatible local processing
  • A free, open-source application
  • Batch image upscaling
  • Custom model support
  • Repeatable use on the same computer
  • Processing without uploading to a Cloud upscaler

Choose Cloud When You Want

  • Browser access
  • Hosted processing
  • No Desktop installation
  • A workflow that does not rely on a compatible local GPU
  • Cloud-specific tools or models
  • Access across multiple suitable devices

Cloud processing requires an internet connection and image upload. Review current pricing, storage, privacy and retention details before uploading confidential material.

Compare Desktop and Cloud
11

Tips for Better Upscayl Results

Upscayl comparison divider reviewing the left side of an image
Inspect the source side
Upscayl comparison divider reviewing the upscaled side of an image
Inspect the upscaled side

Use the Best Available Source

An original camera file or clean export normally provides a better starting point than an image repeatedly downloaded from social media.

Avoid Unnecessary Enlargement

Calculate the dimensions needed for the final destination. More pixels are not automatically more useful.

Compare More Than One Model

Test the same crop using consistent scale and export settings. Choose the model that introduces the fewest distracting artifacts.

Review at the Final Size

A result that looks impressive at high zoom may look oversharpened in a layout or print.

Inspect Text and Logos Carefully

Small letters and symbols can become distorted. Compare important branded or factual details with the original.

Test Before Batch Processing

One representative test can prevent an unsuitable setting from being applied to an entire folder.

12

Privacy, Licensing and Download Trust

Upscayl Desktop provides a local processing path for compatible systems. This reduces the need to upload source images to a hosted upscaling service.

For a trustworthy download page

Link to the official release source.

Display the current version and release date.

Identify the installer format.

Publish checksums when available.

Link to the public source repository.

Link to the software license.

Maintain a visible update history.

Publish About, Contact, Privacy and Terms pages.

Explain whether this website is the official project site or an independent product guide.

Do not bundle the installer with unrelated software.

Trust links

13

Upscayl Desktop Troubleshooting

Upscayl processing screen used while diagnosing slow or failed image upscaling
Record the app version, model, source dimensions and hardware before troubleshooting.

Upscaling Does Not Start

Confirm that the computer has compatible graphics hardware and current drivers. If multiple GPUs are installed, select the appropriate discrete GPU where supported.

The Application Opens but Produces an Error

Restart the application, test a different supported image and confirm that the destination folder is writable.

The Preview Is Blank or the Output Is Missing

Check the current release notes and operating-system troubleshooting page. Confirm that the model files are available and that the output location has sufficient storage.

Processing Is Very Slow

Large source images, high enlargement levels and batch jobs require more processing. Test a smaller source or lower scale before processing the complete project.

My GPU Is Not Compatible

Use a compatible computer or consider Upscayl Cloud when browser-based hosted processing is appropriate.

14

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Upscayl Desktop is distributed as free, open-source software. Review the current license if you plan to redistribute or modify the application.

Yes. The official project provides a Windows installer and currently lists Windows 10 and later in its installation guidance.

Yes. A macOS DMG is available, and the official project also documents installation through Homebrew. Check the current macOS requirements before installing.

Use AppImage for a portable option. Choose DEB for compatible Debian or Ubuntu systems and RPM for compatible Fedora-based distributions. Confirm currently available packages on the release page.

Compatible Desktop image-processing jobs run locally. You need internet access to download the installer, updates and any required resources.

The official project states that a Vulkan-compatible GPU is normally required. Many integrated GPUs and CPUs may not work.

Yes. Upscayl Desktop provides batch image upscaling for processing groups of similar images.

Upscayl supports compatible custom models. Verify model compatibility, format, licensing and source before installation.

Download it from an official or clearly verified source. Check the release information, installer filename and checksum when one is published.

Compatible Desktop jobs process images locally. Cloud workflows require image upload and should be evaluated under the current Cloud privacy and retention terms.

No. It may create a larger, cleaner-looking interpretation of a suitable image, but it cannot reliably reconstruct detail that was never captured.

Use a separate output folder and keep an untouched original. The page should not promise file behavior without verifying it against the current release.

The application can be used in image workflows, but users remain responsible for the source image, model licensing, output review and rights required for commercial publication.

15

Download Upscayl Desktop

Choose the installer for your operating system and confirm hardware compatibility before beginning an important project.

Supporting links